Harness Racing Australia has today announced the appointment of John Dumesny as its new Independent Chair.
Following Friday’s Annual General Meeting in Brisbane, Mr Dumesny succeeds Graeme Campbell OAM, who concludes his six-year tenure after reaching the maximum term permitted under HRA's Rules of Association.
The appointment follows a national expression of interest and independent selection process undertaken by HRA, attracting a strong field of candidates from across Australia.
In addition to his current non-Executive Director’s role with NRL expansion club, Perth Bears, Mr Dumesny brings more than 40 years of executive leadership and governance experience, having held senior positions throughout the Australian harness racing industry.
His career includes stints as the Chief Executive Officer of Harness Racing NSW and the NSW Harness Racing Club, along with serving as Director and Company Secretary of Australian Pacing Gold (1990 to 2014).
Additionally, few people have contributed more to the Australian harness racing industry over recent decades.
Since the late 1980s, Mr Dumesny has served on numerous HRA committees, panels and working groups including recent appointments as the voluntary chair of the Group Racing Panel, the Handicapping Ratings Review Committee and the TAB Eureka Review Working Group.
His contribution to Australian harness racing has been recognised through HRA's highest honours, having received the Distinguished Service Award (2008), the Ern Manea Gold Medal (2015) and the prestigious J.P. Stratton Award (2022), in addition to a number of State and local government awards recognising his service to the industry.
HRA Chief Executive Officer Richard Goodbody said Mr Dumesny's appointment reflected his unparalleled experience and commitment to Australian harness racing.
"John's knowledge of Australian harness racing is second to none and his contribution to the industry over more than four decades has earned the respect of participants and administrators alike," Mr Goodbody said.
"He has already made an enormous contribution to HRA through his leadership of several important national committees and reviews, and he possesses a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our sport.
"As HRA embarks on the implementation of its new Strategic Plan, John's experience, collaborative approach and commitment to national outcomes make him exceptionally well placed to lead our organisation over the next three years."
Mr Goodbody also acknowledged the outstanding contribution of outgoing Independent Chair Graeme Campbell OAM.
"On behalf of HRA and the industry as a whole, I extend our sincere thanks to Graeme for his outstanding leadership," Mr Goodbody said.
"Graeme has provided calm, considered and principled leadership during a period of significant change and has also shown a willingness to be bold and brave as demonstrated with many new initiatives including the creation of the TAB Eureka.
"His professionalism, integrity and unwavering commitment to the national interest have helped position Harness Racing Australia strongly for the future, and we are extremely grateful for his contribution."
Mr Dumesny said he was honoured to have been entrusted with the position.
"It is a privilege to be appointed Independent Chairperson of Harness Racing Australia," Mr Dumesny said.
"Harness Racing Australia plays a vital role in providing national leadership on behalf of the industry and I look forward to working collaboratively with the Members, Executive and industry to continue building a strong and sustainable future for our sport.
"Australian harness racing has a proud history, and by working together in the spirit of the federated model we can continue to deliver positive outcomes for participants across the country."
Mr Dumesny commences his three-year term immediately following the Annual General Meeting.
